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Monthly Memo: September 2026

09/01/2026 11:27 AM | Anonymous

Monthly Memo for September 2026

Then and now

The Hunt Club arena was built in 1938, but there was a field on the property before to attract new residents to Oswego. What activity was the field for?

Stay tuned to the end of the newsletter to find out more!

Players in front of the Lake Oswego Hunt Club, c. 1930s

From the desk of your executive director

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Collector Car & Classic Boat Show such a success! We couldn't have had better weather, and there was an amazing selection of cars, motorcycles, and boats on display for people to see. So many volunteers pour their time and energy into making this show happen, and we're so grateful for their support. 

A special shout-out to the sponsors, vendors, and food trucks who made this show one of our best in years. Their contributions will go on to support upcoming exhibits, education programs for both youths and adults, renovation of our historic floors, and much, much more.

And while this year's event winds to a close, we've got many more events scheduled for this fall. There's still time to get in involved with local history! 

Kathryn Sinor
Executive Director

From the archives

In our archives is a postcard collection that provides glimpses into the life and landscapes from more than a century ago. We trace journeys from Oregon to Alaska with postcards of correspondence connecting family, friends, and travels.

Featuring Carl Eisele’s postcards to Mattie Peters in First Addition, Oswego, from Valdez, Seward, and Chignik, we can see the rugged beauty of Alaska’s coastlines. His handwritten notes describe long winters, deep snow, and the camaraderie of sailors stationed far from home. These postcards remind us that even short messages connect across miles of ice and ocean.

Postcard from Valdez, Alaska

Carl Eisele shares a glimpse of life aboard ship in Sitka, Alaska, and his pride in serving in the U.S. Navy:

“This is some of the boys off the deck sailing ship at Sitka, Alaska. We coaled for three days and nights. Just showed that to Harry and the rest of the boys. I think they will be glad that my news came in the good old U. S. Navy.

Carl”

A glimpse into winter and life in Valdez comes next, when he wrote:

“This card was taken in the winter time. It is dark here for three months so you can guess the type of fella would have here then. The snow is five teen feet deep on the streets every year… We played ball with the Valdez Team and got beat 9 to 6. We play them again today Saturday.

Carl"

Walking tours of Lake Oswego neighborhoods

SOLD OUT!

Join us for a walking tour through historic First Addition, Lake Oswego! A docent will lead you through the neighborhood, sharing stories of the "original" incorporated city of Oswego. From community life to shopping to the residents who made these houses their home, you'll uncover the history right before your eyes. Houses, buildings, and everything in between!

The First Addition walking tour covers 1.1 miles of even terrain and lasts about an hour. 

Museum closure

The museum will be closed from Sept. 4th - 17th, with the exception of Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM and private events. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Get your tickets

Something isn't right here. That book is out of place. There is a card in the display case, but no item behind it. There are antiques in the incorrect place; and artefacts that are standing wrong side up. Clearly, the venue needs your help. As curators of other nearby museums, you are called to the venue after hours in order to help figure out what is causing these disturbances.

Once inside, you are greeted by one of the exhibits who has come to life. They are happy to show you around and share tales about the other exhibits. As you hear stories from their lives, it becomes clear that one of them is the culprit behind these disturbances. The question is, which one? Succeed and you will find yourself promoted. Fail, and you may find yourself trapped behind glass forever.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Upcoming events include Chautauqua, museum closure, volunteer appreciation party

First Wednesday Chautauqua at the Oswego Heritage Council for September: Railroads in Oregon by David Jorling

Join self-proclaimed foamer (a person obsessed with trains) David Jorling in this lecture on the history of railroads in Oregon. Discover the development of rail lines, how they shaped the state, and the broader history of rail travel. You'll never see traintracks the same way!

Then and now

The Hunt Club arena was built in 1938, but there was a field on the property before to attract new residents to Oswego. Did you figure out what activity was the field for?

c. 1930s image of polo players at the Lake Oswego Hunt Club

POLO!

Interested in learning more? Our new exhibit on the Hunt Club will be launching in October, along with a presentation and other activities in partnership with the Club! Stay tuned for more information. 

Thank you to our sponsors

Dr. Bill & Ricky Korach

Want to Sponsor OHC's Newsletter? Join as a Sponsor Level Member Today!

Oswego Heritage House and Museum
398 10th St.
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
(503) 635-6373

Hours of Operation:
M, W, Th, Fri 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Sat 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Free entrance

The Oswego Heritage Council is a  501 (c)(3)
EIN # 93-0983947

Copyright © 2026, Oswego Heritage Council. All rights reserved.

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